Purpose: Message generating is a complex process involving a number of processes, including the selection of modes to use. When expressing a message, human communicators typically use a combination of modes. This phenomenon is often termed multimodality. This article explores the use of models that explain multimodality as an explanatory framework for augmentative and alternative communication (AAC).
Method: Multimodality is analysed from a communication, psycholinguistic, and cognitive perspective.
Results: Theoretical and applied topics within AAC can be explained or described within the multimodality framework considering iconicity, simultaneous communication, lexical organization, and compatibility of communication modes.
Conclusion: Consideration of multimodality is critical to understanding underlying processes in individuals who use AAC and individuals who interact with them.